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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

An Indigenous home for Indigenous children

To all of you who work with and for Indigenous children and families - my deepest congratulations. Many of you have spent years decrying the treatment of Indigenous children.You have written and spoken, cajoled and attempted to convince and then lobbied some more - just trying to get the people of this country to open their eyes. Your energy has been boundless. Your patience infinite.

Category, Speech
Commission – General

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I also thank Professor Barry Brook for his survey of the latest scientific assessments and forecasts on the impact of climate change on our planet. They are indeed alarming. The fact of climate change, and the rate of change, has become all too clear, even if there are still sceptics that wish to debate the causes. Our title reference to “Catastrophic Impacts” seems fully justified.

Category, Speech
Rights and Freedoms

Human Rights: Universal and Inalienable

I'm very pleased to be speaking to you today. I'm especially encouraged that so many young people have put aside a weekend to think about, and talk about, human rights.

Category, Speech
Rights and Freedoms

Rights for all: Building inclusive communities for all generations Chris Sidoti (1999)

Thank you to the Public Health Association for inviting me to deliver the Sax Oration this year. I am honoured to follow so many distinguished speakers who have delivered the oration over the years. I am honoured too to be able to commemorate the work of Sidney Sax, one of the most significant people shaping health care policy and practice in Australia.

Category, Speech
Commission – General

President speech: NSW Young Lawyers

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and pay my respect to their elders past and present.

Category, Speech
Commission – General

Past Achievements and Future Strategies in Educating the Public about Human Rights

Let me preface my remarks today with the assertion that, generally speaking, Australia has a strong and proud record on human rights. The Australian Government is formally committed to supporting the universal observance of human rights both at home and abroad saying that this policy helps to achieve a more stable and just international order, which benefits the security and prosperity of everyone. In this statement, the Government links peace to the observance of human rights, a topic to which I shall return.

Category, Speech
Commission – General

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I accepted the invitation to make this Oration and come here tonight with some trepidation: The person being honoured tonight, Dame Roma Mitchell, was the first federal Human Rights Commissioner and this is the territory that has known the powers of persuasion, conviction and commitment of the best human rights minds in the country, including Dame Roma Mitchell herself. Yet I reminded myself that we are both cultivators in the same vineyard, albeit that I both lagged behind her and sought to learn from her. My work today is made easier by the clear and decisive path cut out by my predecessor.

Category, Speech
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Creating Futures 2010 Conference (2010)

I begin today by thanking Granny Alice Yeatman for her warm welcome to Yarrabah and paying my respects to the Traditional Owners, on whose land we meet. Good morning ladies and gentlemen, my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters, distinguished guests.

Category, Speech
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

2009 Speech: NSW Teacher's Federation Conference

I begin by paying my respects to the Gadigal peoples of the Eora nation, the traditional owners of the land where we gather today. I pay my respects to your elders, to the ancestors, and to those who have come before us.

Category, Speech
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

NAIDOC Week 2008 - Ministerial Event

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay my respects to their elders past and present.

Category, Speech
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Indigenous Home Ownership Panel Discussion

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people – the traditional owners of the land we are meeting on today and by paying my respects to their ancestors.

Category, Speech
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

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I would like to start today by acknowledging the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people on whose land we are on today and pay my respect to your elders both past and present.

Category, Speech
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Forum: Tom Calma (2006)

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Gadigal peoples of the Eora nation, the traditional owners and custodians of the land where we are gathered today, and pay my respects to their elders and to the ancestors. I would also like to acknowledge:

Category, Speech
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

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Good morning everyone; I would like to begin by acknowledging the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land where we are gathered today. And Aunty Elsie, I pay my respects to you, Aunty Gloria, Uncle Roy and to other Gadigal elders and family and to the many friends here today. I would also like to acknowledge Bishop Chris Saunders, Father Brian McCoy and Mr. John Ferguson. It is my great honour to launch the 2006 Social Justice Sunday Statement: The Heart of Our Country, Dignity and Justice for Our Indigenous Sisters and Brothers.

Category, Speech

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